The Kingdom of Fife

The Kingdom of Fife is a small region with a strong sense of identity. Sandwiched between the Rivers Tay and Forth, Fife is a mix of pretty coastal fishing villages and industrial and mining towns.

The industrial heart of Fife and the ancient capital of Scotland can both be found in South-West Fife. The city of Dunfermline was once the capital and is now one of the fastest-growing cities in Scotland. It was the birthplace of seven kings, one queen and four princes, and the grave of the great Scottish king, Robert the Bruce (although his heart was buried separately, in Melrose Abbey). The industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was born here, and the Dunfermline library was the world's first Carnegie Library.

Further up the coast, Kirkcaldy played its part in the Scottish Enlightenment. Economist Adam Smith and architect Robert Adam were both born in the town.

A small town with a big presence, the picturesque royal burgh of St Andrews is synonymous with golf - as the seat of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and as the home of the famed Old Course. St Andrews has several excellent golf courses, and many more are but a short drive away.

St Andrews is also a busy University town - indeed, St Andrews University is the oldest in Scotland.

But if you haven't come for golf or education, you will still find history, architecture, long beaches and fresh sea air. Around the eastern coast of the Kingdom of Fife there are many pretty villages, where arts and crafts go hand in hand with freshly caught seafood and an slower pace of life. Together they make up the East Neuk of Fife.

Books about or set in the Kingdom of Fife

Local Authors

Small map of authors from Fife
Last modified Tuesday 12 January 2010